3 Acquaintances is a comedy in the form of an improbable storyline bringing together three strangers (an accountant, a real estate agent and a drunk) as superheroes to fight an evil villain. It’s showing at the Crown and Anchor, Union Street off Rundle Street as part of the 2013 Adelaide Fringe Festival. Starring in it are a couple of scientists, a lawyer and a petrol pump attendant from out Golden Grove way. All local, all learning the comedy trade, and all still have their day jobs. In the real world, the scientists are work aquaintances of mine.
Pranam, Tristrom, Jarrad and Justin at the Adelaide Festival Fringe 2013
3 Acquaintances is an interesting journey. My companion noted that though there weren’t many belly laughs it was an enjoyable 45 minutes. We were there on the opening night, and the actors were clearly still learning the critical element of timing in comedy. We overheard another couple reflecting that it was like watching some drunk guys at a party (well, that can be funny).
As if timing wasn’t enough of a challenge the team ask for audience input at a couple of points and take on improvisation. In the early stages, for instance, the audience decides on the destination for the action. Aspects of the destination are woven into the dialogue. Pranam (the ‘real estate agent’) told me afterwards that the show is perhaps 25% improvisation.
But for me, 3 Acquaintances is what the Fringe should be all about. Raw local energy, enthusiasm and foolhardy bravery, serving an apprenticeship up in front of an audience. And you take the cringeworthy moments with the glimmers of potential. There are too many overhyped, ex-television celebrities living on their fifteen minutes of fame well-past their use-by dates, overcharging audiences for a shower of expletives and some (sometimes creative) banter with patrons and calling it entertainment.
Do yourself a favour – go acquaint yourself with some cheap, innovative, honest productions like 3 Acquaintances – not expensive Fringe impostors from interstate or overseas who can’t be bothered doing their own tours of the clubs and pubs outside of mad March.